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In his address Viktor Orbán noted the importance of preserving Hungary’s culture, identity and sovereignty “amidst a European culture fight”.

“We live in peace with our own culture and history which is a great gift in today’s world. This is something we must value highly. … We believe in ideals that have stood the test of time and hope that there will come a common order for which we can all strive; the Fine Arts Museum is an embodiment of that hope,” the prime minister said.

Orbán praised his government’s measures to promote culture and said that Hungary’s museums in 2017 had attracted more visitors than the country’s entire population.

He added that the roof of the building was replaced, new heating and air conditioning systems were installed, new exhibition halls, a restaurant, wardrobe and storage rooms were added to the earlier facilities.

The museum will open for the public on Wednesday, with access to its Egyptian and Greco-Roman exhibitions, as well as the galleries of antique statues and pictures, while all permanent exhibitions will open mid-next year, the director said.